Homeschool?

 I'm not sure I can do this....

We've got some big decisions to make.  Since we got Maisie, Robert has really wanted me to home school her.  I've put him off long enough. Maybe one of these days I will listen to him the first time he suggests something.

If you know how hard the ages of 7-17 can be for girls, you'll understand this post.  Girls are evil, mean, cruel, sensitive, fun, dramatic, and a whole list of other things I can't even explain.  They begin this downward spiral into drama around 1st or 2nd grade I think.  Sometimes, I think it starts even earlier if the parents aren't diligently trying to raise good, loving children.  Anyway, my child is experiencing this time of stress and drama right now. 

I know what you are thinking, "every girl goes through this time. Just tell her to get over it and ignore it." I agree.  I think this should be a time where she learns to ignore and rise above the drama.  The problem with that is that she is even more immature socially than the already immature girls in this age group. 

Maisie comes form a stressful background which includes moving from home to home to facility.  In some of her moves, she would be in one place for a night or two only to move to another home for a week.  Then she would jump from facility to facility for six months or so.  She's never really been in a school setting for longer than a few months.  The school settings at facilities are very small.  There aren't more than 10 kids in a class.  She's not used to being one of 25.  She is definitely not used to being in a class with 17 girls who are all sharpening their claws ready to pounce!

So, that leads us to the decision of homeschooling her for a few years.  We're still praying for God's confirmation in this, so we ask that you pray with us and for us. 

To my 16 year old self

 I recently read a blog where the writer wrote a letter to her 16 year old self.

What would you say to yourself at 16?

Dear April,
      
         Now that you are sixteen, you are pretty sure you've got life figured out.  I know the plans you have for yourself at this age seem to be so concrete.  You want to be a teacher, maybe high school English, because you've had some great teachers so far.  You are looking forward to college life, but are still so unsure of moving away from your parents and how that would really work out.  I know you've decided that if you aren't married with 3 kids by 30, your life has been a complete failure.  Don't be so hard on yourself if things don't go as planned, because believe me, they don't.

         Being popular isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Drama follows girls, so stick with being friends with lots of guys.  Don't forget your real friends though.  The ones you've known all your life. The ones who know the real you.  You know them.  Especially Elizabeth. I know this sounds crazy to you right now, but in just a few short years, she'll be closer to you than a sister.  Forgive her, and ask for her forgiveness. You'll need each other soon!

          Take time to get to know your parents.  Your mama and daddy have so much going on right now.  Don't hold it against them.  They're trying so hard to keep your family together.  Make it easier on them.  Don't be such a brat, and look for ways to make things easier on them, not just easier on you!

          Most importantly, let go of the dating game.  It leads to nothing but heartbreak. Right now, you're pretty sure you are in love.  I can assure you, you aren't.  But love will come, and man, he's worth the wait!  Focus more of your time on your family, your friends, and your relationship with Jesus.  You'll be so much wiser!

             You're going to be just fine.  Enjoy life.  Be genuine and kind to everyone.  Let the drama go.

Love,

April, age 29